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John Roach Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for John Roach
Ralph & Joyce McKinney
February 26, 2008
Dear Helen,
So sorry to hear of your loss. John was a very dear friend. I enjoyed serving with him on the school board. I can just see & hear him standing at the head of our boat going up the Mississippi River,singing "Ole Man River". Our memories of him will last a life time. Take care and may our Heavenly Father comfort and bless you and your family.
Patricia Elliott
February 21, 2008
Dearest Helen,
My heart goes out to you and your family at this time of deep personal loss. John was such a special person, a wonderful community leader and my favorite principal. None of my family will ever forget the devoted friendship that you and Mom shared. I know having you as her friend and steadfast support during her illness was one of the greatest treasures of her life. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow, but may your sadness be lessen, if just a little, by the fact that so many people remember and cherish the wonderful contributions John and Helen Roach made to our lives. God Bless You All.
carolyn woody
February 21, 2008
Helen,
We were so sorry to hear about John..he will surely be remembered by so many, including us. We have such good memories of you both. We send our love.
Carolyn & Larry Woody
Tom Westall
February 21, 2008
Helen,
Bab and I were so sorry to hear about John. He was a very special person and a special influence in my life, as were you. I join a great number of people who will treasure his memory. Your friendship and love for Mom continues to bring warm thoughts to my mind. May God bless and you and hold you and the family close during this time.
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Judy Willis
February 17, 2008
I had the pleasure of serving with John Roach on the board of Hospice of McDowell County. He always brought laughter to our meetings and we never knew which story he would tell next. He was a man of integrity, honesty, and always had the utmost respect of everyone when he walked into a room. I will truly miss him.
Debbie Davis ( Ricketts)
February 17, 2008
Mrs. Roach, you know how much I have loved and admired you both. I know you will miss him, and so shall we. Seek comfort in knowing that he is with God, and that we will see him again someday. I will pray for you and Johnny. Love you, Debbie
Barbara Ricketts
February 17, 2008
Helen, you have been blessed by having John in your life. So has Johnny & family. Remember each day that this is the first day of the rest of your life. Praying for the family.
Bob Bowers
February 17, 2008
Helen and family,
When I got a call from John to come and talk with him about teaching at PG school, I did not realize how it would change my life. I stayed the night at John and Helen's house while Helen helped me find an apartment. John became my mentor and fried who encouraged me to return to college to get my principal's and superintendent certification. John and Helen remained my friends and support not only at church but in my professional career. I love them dearly and everyone who knew John will know that he was a dear friend who now is celebrating in heaven. Sweet indeed is the little Jesus boy, but sweeter still is the adult Jesus who welcomed John Roach into heaven.
Joe Elliott
February 17, 2008
Upon musician Johnny Cash’s passing, fellow musician Bob Dylan remarked that as a man Cash was “as steady and true as the pole star, a person who you could set your compass by.” These words come to mind when I think of Mr. Roach. One could sense the inner strength of the man, a life that had taken root in good soil and grown steady and true through the years like a healthy oak. Though I didn’t know him personally, I was nonetheless, as a student and teacher, influenced by his legacy. Everyone, in fact, who came out of the McDowell school system in the last fifty years was influenced by him, whether they realize it or not. Mr. Roach’s influence came not from his writings or the invention of a pedagogical tool, but rather arose directly out of his own noble, compassionate character, his love of children, all children, his undying faith in the democratic tradition of public school -- the ideals of which he himself so splendidly embodied -- and of course his famous wit. I do not believe McDowell County will see his likes again. However, we all can be thankful, truly thankful, he was with us for a while.
Alan Sowers
February 15, 2008
I had the pleasure of hunting with Jonh in Hyde County for several years.His caring for his fellow man,love of the outdoors and sense of humor will always be fond memories for me. May God bless and comfort you.
The Family of Ernest and Mary Magness, Jr.
February 15, 2008
We have your family in our hearts and prayers during this tremendous time of grief.
Dad loved telling us of the friendship between he and John beginning in their youth, and what a treasure is was to have a friend like John.
Mike Ross
February 15, 2008
I was a student at Plesant Gardens H.S. during the late 50's and early 60's. Mr. Roach was my Principle. He touched my life in so many positive ways as a student. Thank you Mrs. Roach for sharing him with us. We are all the richer for knowing this wonderful educator.
Gary Adams
February 15, 2008
We are very sorry for your loss. Our prayers and sympathy are with you.We rejoice with you for a life lived so well.Heaven is sure to be rejoicing ,love and light,Gary an Ellen Adams
Wayne McKinney
February 15, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief. My worship pastor always sings Sweet Little Jesus Boy at Christmas time and Mr. Roach is the first thing that pops into mind. God Bless,
Sherry Bowers
February 15, 2008
We all have been blessed to have had John Roach touch our lives. We thank God for his life and the joy he has brought to many as he lived among us. His humor, his "famous stories," his singing, his interest and caring for people, and his often being sought out for advice by many, will all be greatly missed. What a wonderful legacy John Roach has given to Johnny, Emily, and David. Helen, you and your family have been blessed... and John too was also blessed to have you, Helen, as life partner and soulmate. May your wonderful memories add peace and comfort. Our love and prayers are with you!
Sherry Bowers(Ohio), Denver Bowers(Tennessee) & Juddson Bowers(Illinois)
Mabel and Jim Brandon
February 14, 2008
The world has lost a good man who gave much to the good of mankind.We shall always cherish the memory of his beautiful voice as he sang a solo at Mabel's mother's (Ada Glenn Morgan) funeral at Pleasant Garden Baptist Church in June 1959.
Linda Byrd Bivins
February 14, 2008
Mr. Roach will always be remembered in all aspects in life, especially when we were growing up at Pleasant Gardens School. We respected and looked up to him as a great leader in our community. He had such a great gift of touching the hearts of many in church when he sang. May peace and comfort be with the family at this time. The class of 1969 will always treasure his memories.
Susie Miller
February 14, 2008
We have lost a wonderful person and great educator. I am very happy to have known him.
Beverly York
February 14, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Randy Storz
February 14, 2008
I trust the Lord's comfort and blessing during this time in your lives. Thank you for the opportunity to share time with you over the past weekend. Mrs. Roach was a great encouragement to me.
James & Jo Fender
February 14, 2008
Helen and Family: We just want you to know that John will be greatly missed. Jo remembers the years that she was in school that John was her principal and how she enjoyed him so much even though she was scared of him. If we can do anything for your you and the family please let us know.
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